The Bible has much to say about submission: to God (James 4:6-7), to political authorities (Romans 13:1-7), to church leadership (Heb 13:17), within marriage (Col 3:18), and even a general submissiveness of all Christians to one another (Eph 5:21). Romans 13 teaches us that everyone must be subject to governing authorities, all the more if you’re a Christian because you are expected to do so. How many of us are quick to switch churches because of relatively minor issues? Instead of praying for our Christian leaders, many of us spend more time complaining about them. Instead of submitting to them, we ignore or even oppose their instructions. ​

​The Bible teaches us that subjection to authority is right and good. How we submit to the authority that God has placed over us and how we learn to exercise authority will greatly effect our usefulness for the glory of God. It will also greatly impact the fulfillment of God’s purposes for our lives. We should Obey the Law.

​Why should we submit to the governing authorities in the Philippines?

13 1 All of you must obey the government rulers.No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule.And no one rules now without that power from God.2So if anyone is against the government, he is really against what God has commanded.And so he brings punishment on himself. 3 Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers. But people who do wrong must fear them.Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and the ruler will praise you.4 He is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid.The ruler has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong.5So you must obey the government.You must obey not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do.6 And this is also why you pay taxes. Rulers are working for God and give their time to their work. 7 Pay everyone, then, what you owe him. If you owe any kind of tax, pay it. Show respect and honor to them all. (Romans 13:1-7 ICB)

​Submission to God

Because there is no authority over us except that which God has established (Romans 13:1). Consequently, he who rebels against the governing authority is rebelling against what God has instituted (Romans 13:2). Those who have been given places of authority have responsibility before God for the exercise of a certain amount of power and influence over others.

​Initiate Government Services

For he is God's servant to do you good. (Romans 13:4)

Sick? Who would organize our hospitals? Subsidize prescriptions at drug store. Promotes education, law and order, the arts, the environment. Hold major oil companies to account for the oil prices, economic activities, monitor trade and investments, business, infrastructure, jobs for the good of their citizens, etc. Governments exist for our benefit and well-being.

Here is the question: When our government misuses our resources for instance taxes – should we avoid paying taxes? the answer is NO.

17 So tell us what you think. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus knew that these men were trying to trick him. So he said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me a coin used for paying the tax.” The men showed him a silver coin.[b] 20 Then Jesus asked, “Whose picture is on the coin? And whose name is written on the coin?” 21 The men answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. And give to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:17-21)

Our response is do what is right because we honor God above the Government. Like Daniel and his three friend when faced with obedience to the law that contradicts their faith, they stood up and did what is right in the eyes of God. Compromise should never be our default. Let us not be like those tax corporations even individuals, who raise revenue in one nation, then shift profits to another nation in order to pay less taxes. Submission to human authority does not mean that we are never involved in the decision making process. In fact, respectfully communicating with our leaders about issues is an important part of the political process of the government to know what is the best for the nation and its people. And also submission does not mean that those who submit are less important, less intelligent, or less godly than those to whom we are told to submit.

Even Jesus was submissive to the plans of God the Father, “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant ... he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Phil 2:6-9 NIV; see also Luke 22:39-44).

There is no trials in life that can't be resolve if you trust Him. I know this is just a test of faith and everything will goes well after. Yes, you can move mountain even you have faith as small as mustard seed. Trusting You o God is enough to settle all this trials. Let Your will-be done.
In Jesus mighty name. Amen and amen ​

A World Bank Group report highlighted four factors — the country's people, environment, relationships, and framework — that propel both individuals and corporations to invest in a given country's natural resources, markets, technologies, or brands.Guided by the report from the World Bank Group, U.S. News identified the best countries to invest in for 2018.

Leviticus chapter 11 lists the dietary restrictions God gave to the nation of Israel. The dietary laws included prohibitions against eating pork, shrimp, shellfish and many types of seafood, most insects, scavenger birds, and various other animals. The dietary rules were never intended to apply to anyone other than the Israelites. The purpose of the food laws was to make the Israelites distinct from all other nations

After this purpose had ended, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19).

19 Food does not go into a personâs mind. Food goes into his stomach. Then that food goes out of his body.â (When Jesus said this, he meant that there is no food that is unclean for people to eat.)

What (Defiles) Desecrate a Person? [What makes the person unclean?]

14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him." 16 [Let those with ears used them and listen 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.)20 And he said,

"What comes out of a person is what defiles him.21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, adultery, 22 selfishness, doing bad things to other people, lying, sensuality, jealousy, slander (saying bad things to other people), pride, foolish living. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.â (All these things come from within a person. These things make a person unclean)

As a Christian what we need to eat?

1 Corinthians 10:27-28that dedicated meat should only be banned if the believer knewit was dedicated. The purpose of the ban was to show publicly that they did not worship idols, not that dedicated meat was supernaturally harmful. If food at a grocery store bears the e.g "halal" seal, we should pray about what God wants us to do.

27 Someone who is not a believer may invite you to eat with him. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions about it. 28 But if anyone says to you, âThat food was offered to idols,â then do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and because eating it would be something that might be thought wrong.

In General

Christians are not bound by Jewish dietary restrictions. The New Testament says we should be known for our LOVE (John 13:35), not our MEALS. Regarding food dedicated to idols, we need to understand the purpose of the banâto clearly show those around us that we do not worship any god but the True God. As for drinking/eating the blood of animals, since there is no clear guidance, it is a matter of personal conviction and prayer.

Holy Bible is far more concerned with how much we eat than what foods Christians eat. Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. If we are unable to control our eating habits, we are probably also unable to control other habits such as those of the mind (lust, covetousness, unrighteous hatred/anger) andunable to keep our mouths from gossip or strife. As Christians, are not to let our appetites control us; rather, we are to control them (Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:2; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Corinthians 10:5).

Deuteronomy 21:20 (ICB) 20They will say to the leaders, âOur son is stubborn and turns against us. He will not obey us. He eats too much. And he is always drunk.â

Proverbs 23:2 (ICB)2â Control yourself
if you have a big appetite.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ICB)5 And we destroy every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (ICB) 5 Because you have these blessings, you should try as much as you can to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; 6 and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add the ability to hold on; and to your ability to hold on, add service for God; 7 and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to this kindness, add love.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (ICB) - The Last Days3Remember this! There will be many troubles in the last days. 2 In those times people will love only themselves and money. They will brag and be proud. They will say evil things against others. They will not obey their parents. People will not be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. 3 They will not have love for others. They will refuse to forgive others and will speak bad things. They will not control themselves. They will be cruel and will hate what is good. 4 In the last days, people will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited and proud. They will love pleasure. They will not love God. 5 They will continue to act as if they serve God, but they will not really serve God. Stay away from those people. 6 Some of them go into homes and get control of weak women who are full of sin. They are led to sin by the many evil desires they have. 7 Those women always try to learn new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth fully. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres were against Moses, these people are against the truth. They are people whose thinking has been confused. They have failed in trying to follow the faith. 9 But they will not be successful in what they do. Everyone will see that they are foolish. That is what happened to Jannes and Jambres.

"As Christians, are not to let our appetites control us; rather, we are to control them"

It’s often through the dimly lit doorways of our current situations that God leads us to our true purpose. To live rightly through the twists and difficult turns of life, St. Paul says we need a vision tool called faith.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

We can make is to decide to live by faith and not by sight.
But how exactly do we do that?
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There are three principles that can help us walk by faith, not by sight:

1. A faith journey sometimes begins with a difficult challenge._________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________* Oftentimes, we are unaware of our need for faith until we face something we can’t control. How did your faith journey begin? What spurred you to take that first step?

2. A faith journey often gets worse before it gets better._________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________* The initial feeling of being on God’s path can be euphoric.
Along our faith journey, how did that feeling change or deepen? What challenges have you experienced after taking a step of faith? How did you handle it?

3. A persistent faith is always rewarded by God._________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________* Have you ever experienced God’s apparent silence? What purpose do you think it served (or is serving)? How will you choose to view it? Can you give an example of persistence being rewarded?

There are several ways we can live by faith this year:

Believe God when I don’t see it.

Obey God when I don’t understand it.

Give to God when I don’t have it.

Persist with God when I don’t feel like it.

Thank God before I receive it.

Trust God even if I don’t get it.

Walking by faith means living life in light of eternal consequences. To walk by faith is to fear God more than man; to obey the Bible even when it conflicts with man’s commands; to choose righteousness over sin, no matter what the cost; to trust God in every circumstance; and to believe God rewards those who seek Him, regardless of who says otherwise (Hebrews 11:6).

Are you struggling with a form of pride? How do we recognize pride, and how do we combat it once we know we have a problem?

Philippians 2:3ESV3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

​Proverbs 16:18ESV18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is different from the other (with the possible exception of ANGER) because we don’t feel that anything is wrong with us. When overwhelmed with other emotions, we know for sure that something is wrong and we need to change. When overwhelmed with PRIDE, we usually think that we are just fine, but it’s just that everyone else has to change.

"One of the hardest things to recognize and confront in ourselves as Christians is our pride. For some of us, it has become a major part of our lives, sometimes without our even knowing."

A Secular Definition of Pride

Pride is not just a problem; it is a problem for humanity. Pride’s been defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction in an achievement, an accomplishment, or in someone else or something else but it’s also been described as conceit, egotism, vanity, vainglory, all over one’s own appearance or status in life and not just something that’s been accomplished.

Pride is at the root of all sin. God hates pride because we really have a misplaced sense of worth. God says that “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God” (Psalm 10:4) and that “I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Prov 8:13).

Pride is the opposite of humility and this is what we read in Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” which is why “patience is better than pride” (Eccl 7:8).

Why is pride spiritually dangerous? Pride can lead us to:

Seek recognition to exalt ourselves.

Treat others unfairly.

Accept no responsibility for wrongdoing.

Speak constantly without listening.

Be only concerned with ourselves

These are all actions that we know from the Bible are not Christ-like. The apostle John warns, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).Notice1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble".

We must both focus on and fulfill the Christian mission.

The Bible is clear that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. God has not saved us so that we can live comfortably, happily, and self-centeredly here on earth.

He has conscripted us into His army. We have a mission given to us by our Commander-in-Chief, to take the message of His salvation and Lordship into enemy territory, to win captives from the forces of darkness. As in every war, our mission requires combat and struggle. If we forget our mission and get caught up with our own comfort, we will be quick to desert the cause when the enemy attacks.

Paul describes the Christian cause in such combat terms inPhilippians 1:27-30. We think of Christianity as something that increases the well-being of our daily lives. We focus on the benefits that come from being Christians. But, the danger is, in focusing on our own well-being, we forget our mission.If we forget our mission, there is no way we will fulfill it.And, we become an easy target for the powers of darkness.

We must focus on the Christian mission: To Proclaim the Faith of the Gospel.We’ve already seen that the gospel was the central focus of Paul’s life. In 1 Corinthians 9:23 he says that he does “all things for the sake of the gospel.”
​In Philippians 1, he uses the word “gospel” six times: verses 5, 7, 12, 16, 27 (twice). He alludes to it in other language several more times: “to speak the word of God” (1:14); “preaching Christ” (1:15); “proclaim Christ” (1:17); “Christ is proclaimed” (1:18); “Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted” (1:20); “to live is Christ” (1:21). Paul’s focus should be the Philippians’ focus, and ours:
​He charges them to stand firm and strive together “for the faith of the gospel.”

We need to keep the goal in view, that hurting people need healing so that they can be deployed into the battle of reaching lost people with the gospel. Thus, in order to fulfill our mission, first we must focus on it. The church is here to proclaim the faith of the gospel.

We fulfill the Christian mission:By Walking Consistently, Working Cooperatively, and Opposing Confidently.

A. WE FULFILL THE CHRISTIAN MISSION BY WALKING CONSISTENTLY AS CITIZENS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY.
​“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phi 1:27a). The Greek word translated “conduct yourselves” is literally, “live as citizens.” Paul is saying that Christians, no matter where we live geographically, must view ourselves as citizens of another country, namely, of heaven. Thus we should live differently than those around us who are Citizens of this Earth. Our lives must be worthy of the gospel of Christ. We seek to please our heavenly “emperor” and to live by His laws as revealed in His Word.

So the first thing, if we want to fulfill our mission as Christians, is to walk consistently asCitizens of Heaven.

"It takes courage and faith,
effort
and
initiative
​to be who we are."

We are unique, with our own special beauty and value to give to life. What a terrible shame it would be if we were let that beauty be hidden behind our fears. When you worry that you’re not good enough, you allow others to control you, and their domination will soon make you miserable. It takes courage and faith, effort and initiative to be who we are.

Matthew 23:27- Inner Beauty is what God seeks"We to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

1 Samuel 16:7- God looks at your HeartBut the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Byaheng catanduanes 2017

June 10, 2017 - 12 midnight.
We started traveling that early to maximized our time to cope the 9-10 hrs travel time to Tabaco City Port and to arrange our vehicle booking for RO-RO (Roll on - Roll off) to San Andress Port San Andres, Catanduanes, a third class municipality on the island few kilometers away to the capital Virac.

We chose to travel using Toyota Avanza 2016, our first long drive to Southeastern Luzon.

Travel Tips: When you travel to Catanduanes make sure that your car was thoroughly check, much better if it was freshly out from your maintenance service provider. Don't forget to bring light snacks/foods and drinks good for traveling. Don't forget water. At least 2-3 drivers needed for your safety .

Cost: Full Tank gasoline around P 1,200, depends on what city or province you stop.

Day 2 - Twin rock to Caramoan

While it's wonderful to love another person, or to be in love for the first time, these things are simply reflections or imitations of God's love for us. After all, the Bible says that God is love.​

Please Read:​1 John 4:9-12; 1 John 4:7; John 15:13; and 1 John 4:19

When we speak words of adoration toward God, he responds by flooding our hearts with his love. Our love toward him is reflected back and multiplied.

​The LOVE of God (God’s Love)​A faith journey sometimes begins with a difficult challenge.When we give love, we receive love.* Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).

God is generous with his love.* If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:11).

God initiates our love relationship.* Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).God's love is limitless.* Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).

Fear hinders us from feeling God's love.* There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

STRENGTHS

1. Pakikipagkapwa-tao : Opening yourself to others and feel one with others with dignity and - Respect life as fellow human beings
- Sense of fairness and justice
- Concern for others
- Ability to empathize with others
- Helpfulness and generosity
- Practice of hospitality
- Sensitive to other feelings and trust2. Family Orientation
- A genuine and deep love for family.
- Commitment and responsibility
- Honor and Respect
- Generosity and Sacrifice
- Sense of trust and Security3. Joy and Humor- Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its up and down, Pleasant Disposition, a Sense of Humor and Propensity for happiness that contribute not only to the Filipino charm but also to the Filipino Spirit.
* Laughing or smiling at those we love and hate.
* Tend to make joke about our good and even bad fortune
* Smiling and heads up even in the most trying of times
- Emotional balance and optimism
- Healthy disrespect for power and office.4. Flexibility, Adaptability and Creativity
- Easy to adapt, blend to other culture, practice other tradition, speak and study other languages and even diff. environment or climate)5. Hard Work and Industry- Capacity for hard work given to raise one's standard living of a decent life for one's family.6. Faith and Religiosity- Faith in God - accepting reality to comprehend as a human created by God. "Pampalakas-loob"7. Ability to Survive

Personalized design Flag for Bicol Region as State of BicolandiaCOLOR BLUE, RED and WHITE - Honoring the PhilippinesCOLOR GREEN and TRIANGLE - Represents natural beauty of state, tourism haven and the 'famous cone' Mayon Volcano, the famous landmark of Bicolandia State.SIX STARS - Signifies the 6 Provinces of Bicolandia State(Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon)SYMBOLS - Represents the major products of the State such as Abaca, Fish, Rice, Pili Nuts and Tiger Grass.

TheState of Bicol, orBicolandia State - also known simply as Bicol, (Central Bikol: Rehiyon nin Bikol/Kabikolan; Rinconada Bicol: Rehiyon ka Bikol; Filipino: Kabikulan; Spanish: Bicolandia) is a member of the Federal Philippines. Bicol comprises six provinces, four on the Bicol Peninsula mainland (the southeastern end of Luzon) – Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon – and the offshore island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. The state capital and largest city is Legazpi City, Albay. The state is bounded by the Lamon Bay to the north, Philippine Sea to the east, and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, are bordered to the west by the State of Southern Tagalog.

DEMOGRAPHICSAs of 2015, Camarines Sur is the region's largest province in area and population, occupying 5,481.6 km2 (2,116.5 sq mi) or around 30.4% of the total land area with a population of 1,952,544. Catanduanes is the smallest in area as well as population with only 1,511.5 km2 (583.6 sq mi) or 8.4% of the total regional area and a population of 260,964.

The Bicolanos are descended from the Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from Southern China during the Iron Age. Many of Bicolanos also have Chinese, Arab, and Spanish admixtures. Most of the townsfolk have Spanish Mixtures and their language is referred to as Bicol or Bicolano. The Bicolano language is very fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. The majority of the Bicolano people are devout Roman Catholics due to the Spanish conquering the country and converting them to their religion. Catholic Mass is celebrated daily in many churches in the state.

FOOD
The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada, known outside the region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata. Like their other neighboring regions, Bicolanas are also expected to lend a hand in household work. They are even anticipated to offer assistance after being married. On the other hand, Bicolano men are expected to assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and financial support of his family. Bicolanos are also known for being very religious, the place is known for Senora De Penafrancia. Bicolanos are often sweet, regionalistic, friendly, adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Contrary to what is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often know how to cook.

ECONOMY
Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flatland, and agriculture is the largest component of the economy, followed by commercial fishing. Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and jackfruit are the top five permanent crops in the state. Rice and corn are among the chief seasonal crops. Mining is also one of the contributors to the state's economy. Commercial fishing is also important with thirteen major fishing grounds supplying fish markets in places as far as Federal Administrative Region of Metro Manila.

The region's tourism industry has been revived by the popularity of Mayon Volcano, the extreme water sports haven CamSur Water Sports Complex, whale shark spotting, among others, which consequently increased the number of upscale resorts. Naga City has its colonial churches, and pilgrimages to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The municipality of Daet and Catanduanes province have long been destinations for surfers. The opening of the Southern Luzon International Airport in Legazpi City, which is under construction, is hoped to further boost tourism in the region.

GEOLOGY
Bicolandia State is highly volcanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known as the Bicol Volcanic Arc or Chain, the volcanoes are the results of the Philippine Sea Plate subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt, along the Philippine Trench. Volcanism is evident by the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that dot the region starting from Mount Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon.
Mayon Volcano is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being the most active in the Philippines. Its eruptions have repeatedly inflicted disasters on the region, but during lulls in activity, it is a particularly magnificent peak. The southernmost tip of the peninsula is dominated by Bulusan Volcano, the other active volcano in the region. Tiwi in Albay and the Bacon-Manito area between Sorsogon and Albay are the sites of two major geothermal fields that contribute substantially to the Luzon Power Grid.source

​How can I manage my anger? What can I do to overcome a temper problem?

We need to realize that anger itself is not wrong and being angry is not always a sin. Galatians 5:19-21a, which is part of the list of the “works of the flesh” we are to overcome, mentions “outbursts of wrath.” By contrast, verse 23 mentions the spiritual fruit of “self-control.” Ephesians 4:26-27 adds a few more pieces to the puzzle: “‘Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:26-27
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

WARNING: Galatians 5: 21b-23 - 21b I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

How do you express your anger?___________________________________________________________________________________
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​What kind of giant are you facing in your life? What do you call him?

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV - 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

We all will face giants at one time or another in our lives. By giants, I am speaking of what seem to be insurmountable problems and issues. We try to fell these giants, but often they seem to only grow stronger with the passing of time.

Some of our Familiar Giants

Fear - (Isaiah 9:6)–You see, the devil wants to fill us with fear. He knows that he has no real power over us, so he uses our own feelings against us. Fear can be a pretty big giant. The more we focus on him the bigger he gets. I encourage you to let the Prince of Peace fight your giant fear today.

Heartache(Romans 8:26) – Let this verse encourage your heart. We are assured that even when we do not know what to say, when we do not even have the words to utter our feelings, the Holy Spirit will go before us and intercede for us. If you are facing the giant heartache, please let the Comforter fight the battle for you. Let the Holy Spirit comfort your heart.

Illness(James 5:14) (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)– Many times in the Bible we are told about Jesus healing people. Many times we refer to Jesus as The Great Physician. All throughout the New Testament we find stories of Jesus healing the lame, the blind, even raising people from the dead. We are not always promised healing. We can rest assured; however, that God’s grace will be sufficient if we will only trust in Him, The Great Physician. If you are facing illnesses in your life, find comfort. Whether you are healed as so many were in the Bible, or whether you must endure your thorn in the flesh as did Paul, you can find comfort in knowing that Jesus has a plan for your life. We must simply trust that the God of the universe knows what is best for us.

Envy(Prov. 14:30)– A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by another's desirable possessions or qualities, accompanied by a strong desire to have them for oneself. Acknowledging your envy means looking at yourself honestly. Galatians 5:19-21 tells us that envy is a product of our sinful human nature. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you whether your ulterior motives are for selfish gain or to achieve status in other people's eyes. Name envy for what it is. Blow away the cover-up.

Pride(Rom. 12:14-21)– Love your enemies. A discontentment and resentment aroused by another's desirable possessions or qualities, accompanied by a strong desire to have Pride is a device that can be so easily woven into anyone’s life. It is an abomination to God and it must be kept in check. We all fall prey to it and we need to repent when we do fall. God bless you as you live out a life worthy of the calling.

Lust(Jam. 1:13-15)– To overcome lust you absolutely must look at it as a wicked sin like any other you detest. Ask God to help you overcome this sin.

Failure(1Pet. 5:5)– The reason is, He knows that you’re still too strong in yourself. But when you come to the end of yourself and recognize that you cannot do anything to save yourself, if you will call out to Jesus Christ, He will save you. He is the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep. Confess your sin and failure to Him. Cry out to Him to save you from your sins. You will experience His abundant grace.

What a terrible shame it would be if we were let that beauty be hidden behind our fears. When you worry that you’re not good enough, you allow others to control you, and their domination will soon make you miserable. It takes courage and faith, effort and initiative to be who we are. Identity

People you meet while on the road usually become some of the most valued ones in your address book, giving you points on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, forcing you into new and refreshing perspectives on things. Meeting folks from exotic cultures will teach us the way we look at the world. That you could in fact be dead wrong about it. Seeing it with our own naked eyes brings back a healthy dose of reality, satisfaction, smile to our so called higher thinking.